Simple Process

After requesting the test, a doctor will review and place the order for your testing, and a requisition form will be emailed to you. Then simply go to the lab for the collection. We then send the results directly to you when they become available.
less

Lab Testing Overview

Periodic blood testing can help physicians track important changes in a patient's health over time. Lab tests available through Health Testing Centers can help individuals monitor their own health and even identify potential health conditions before they become more serious. Early diagnosis can make a critical difference in the treatment and management of serious disorders. For example, a blood test can reveal problems with the functioning of internal organs like the kidneys, heart, liver, lungs and pancreas. Blood testing commonly assists doctors in detecting and tracking certain changes in a patient's health, such as a low iron level as a potential sign of anemia. Atherosclerosis and other vascular conditions can be detected with blood tests, and early detection is important for implementing an effective treatment plan. Signs of inflammation identified by blood tests often provide an early indication of potential problems including heart disease. Fibrinogen reacts to various kinds of inflammation, and it also assists in blood clotting in an inflamed area. Kidney inflammation is associated with high levels of fibrinogen in the blood. A high sensitivity C-reactive protein blood test can assess your levels of inflammation, providing insight into addressing or avoiding possible disorders. Glucose and hemoglobin A1C (Hba1c) levels are often measured and tracked over time to aid in detection and monitoring of diabetes. Early detection of diabetes is important for getting a patient on the right track as early as possible. And while daily monitoring of blood sugar levels provides a current snapshot and aids in self-dosing of insulin, it does not replace a regular schedule of blood tests such as hemoglobin A1C, which looks for long-term biological changes. Lab tests conveniently available from Health Testing Centers can be an important part of a proactive health strategy and can be particularly valuable for people managing a disease or experiencing persistent symptoms.

Overview of blood tests available:

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. A Lipid Profile cholesterol test measures levels of a fatty substance called lipids in the blood. Recommended by some groups for a baseline assessment as young as age 20, a lipid profile measures the following: Total Cholesterol; HDL Cholesterol (often called "good cholesterol"); LDL Cholesterol (often called "bad cholesterol"); and Triglycerides. High density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are necessary in in small amounts for the human body to function properly. Ideally you want high HDL levels because that type of cholesterol has been shown to help keep your heart healthy. A high level of LDL cholesterol has been identified as a risk factor for developing coronary heart disease. Monitoring your lipid levels by blood testing is important because there are usually no visible symptoms of high cholesterol. By knowing your cholesterol levels, you can better understand whether any lifestyle modifications or potentially medication is needed to manage your cholesterol.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located around the trachea (windpipe) that produces hormones that affect the body's metabolism. Your thyroid can influence your immune system, hair, skin, brain function, nails, and weight. The thyroid is a part of the endocrine system, which maintains your hormone levels, and problems with this gland can cause a variety of abnormalities. Thyroid blood tests are one of the most common methods for determining if your thyroid is functioning correctly by producing the right amount of hormones. If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), symptoms will manifest themselves such as weight changes, fatigue, temperature intolerance, high blood pressure and certain other hormonal symptoms. Undiagnosed and untreated thyroid issues can lead to more serious health problems. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be detected through blood tests that measure the amount of thyroid hormones circulating within the bloodstream. The primary types of thyroid blood testing include the T3 test, T4 test, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test. Hormonal output from the thyroid is regulated by TSH, which instructs the thyroid gland to make T3 and T4 hormones. Blood testing is an important step in diagnosing and monitoring thyroid disease.

The liver performs numerous functions, including filtering our blood and metabolizing our food, breaking it down into vital elements needed by our bodies. The liver produces various chemicals that are passed into the bloodstream and are necessary for creating a balance in bodily functions. A Liver Function Test is used to detect inflammation and other conditions that affect the liver, by measuring the level of chemicals released by the liver into the bloodstream. Liver Function Test results will help determine whether the level of such chemicals is too high or too low. Both extremes can indicate a problem with the functioning of your liver. Some symptoms of liver problems include digestive problems, yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice), and abnormal fluid retention or swelling of the ankles and legs.

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is typically performed to assess function of the body's organs and a person's overall health. It is typically included as part of a routine medical examination. This test helps evaluate blood acid/base balance, sugar levels, and function of your liver, kidney and pancreas. Problems related to critical internal organs may be identified through a CMP. Specifically, this tests the following components: Glucose; Calcium; Proteins, including Albumin and Total Protein; Electrolytes such as Sodium, Potassium, Carbon Dioxide and Chloride; BUN (blood urea nitrogen); Creatinine (kidney tests); Liver function measurements called ALP (alkaline phosphatase), AST (aspartate amino transferase) and Bilirubin. Individually and together, these assessments provide a picture of a personÕs overall health. Deficiencies or excessive amounts of these components can identify that there may be cause for concern. This blood test can be performed as often as once per year.

A complete blood count, or CBC, test is used to help to assess your overall health, for identifying a variety of diseases, and to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. This test measures red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, white blood cells and hematocrit. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body and white blood cells help to fight against infection. Hemoglobin is the protein within a red blood cell that carries the oxygen and hematocrit is the plasma, or fluid portion of a red blood cell. Platelets are necessary to ensure that your blood clots properly. Levels of a blood component that are too high or too low can be identified through a complete blood count test, and monitored over time. Abnormal values are often early indicators of more serious conditions. The CBC with Differential is frequently ordered as part of an annual check-up or health screening.

A blood pregnancy test detects the presence of a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). HCG is produced by the body at certain levels during pregnancy. An HCG blood test can detect pregnancy a few days before a urine test. There are two types of blood pregnancy tests: qualitative blood test and quantitative blood test. The qualitative blood test is primarily a check to see if the HCG hormone is present in the blood. The quantitative blood test, on the other hand, measures the exact concentration of HCG in the blood. A quantitative test provides the actual level of the HCG in the blood, and this level can be used to determine the date range of conception.

Blood tests for renal function help assess the condition and functioning of your kidneys. The kidneys filter wastes and fluid from the blood. Kidney damage can lead to the loss of filtering capacity and in many cases, early stages of kidney disease may not cause any visible symptoms. If the kidneys are not functioning properly over a period of time, evidence of increased levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen will be present in the bloodstream. A blood test can measure these levels. Blood tests for renal function are often performed as part of regular health screenings, to test for kidney failure, to measure the effects of certain medications, and to test for dehydration.

A prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, test evaluates the health of the prostate gland. PSA levels can be elevated as a result of several conditions, including prostatitis (a prostate infection), benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate), and prostate cancer. In some of these conditions, symptoms do not arise in the early stages of disease. This makes the PSA a valuable tool in screening for prostate disease. In prostate cancer, men whose cancer was detected earlier often have a more favorable prognosis. An annual PSA test is often recommended for men beginning at age 50, or as young as 40 or 45 if there are certain risk factors (including being African-American or having a brother or dad who has had prostate cancer).

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by both males and females, and has an effect on puberty and fertility in both genders. Blood tests for testosterone are typically performed to check for low levels of testosterone in males and for high levels of the hormone in females. Low testosterone levels affects up to one-fourth to one-third of men, and the risk increases after age 30. Low testosterone is also more common in men with certain chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. While low testosterone levels can affect sexual arousal and performance, it can also cause fatigue, depression, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and obesity. Some men with hypogonadism or low testosterone might benefit from replacement hormone therapy as guided by a physician.

A blood test can tell you your blood type. Blood types are divided into the following types: A, B, AB, O. These types are further divided into positive and negative types. Knowing your blood type can be helpful for medical records and is critical if a blood transfusion is needed. Blood type tests are also important for pregnant women, as complications may arise if the mother and fetus have different blood types.

LOCATIONS BY STATE

The material on this page is educational and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician if medical advice, diagnosis or treatment is needed. Health screening lab tests may or may not alert you and your doctor to serious medical conditions and are not intended to be a substitute for a physician's examination.